Cats boss confirms enquiry for Swansea City wing-back

Sunderland have enquired about the availability of Swansea City defender Declan John.

The 24-year-old is a potential target for the Black Cats as they looked to provide cover and competition for Denver Hume.

The Black Cats are short in that department after Laurens De Bock departed early in the window.

John has struggled for regular football this season, making just five appearances. A primarily attacking defender, manager Phil Parkinson sees him as someone who could potentially replicate the increasingly vital role played by Hume in his current 3-4-3 system.

He has been looking for options throughout this month, revealing on Tuesday that a deal he had lined up in the first week of the window had fallen through because the player in question had been unable to agree terms on a new contract with his parent club.

Parkinson insisted that he will only add players before Friday night’s deadline if they will improve the side.

“Declan John is someone we have enquired about,” Parkinson said.

“He's similar to Denver in terms of his pace and being a real outlet on that side. He's someone we've asked about. If we get a player or two in, good. If not, we've got players not playing at the moment waiting for an opportunity.

“I'll only bring someone in if I think it is worthwhile.”

Parkinson also again reiterated that he will be happy to work with Will Grigg for the rest of the season.

Bradford City and Salford City have been knocked back in their attempts to take the currently out of favour striker on loan.

“Will is a goalscorer and a great lad,” he said.

“He's not a problem. He's frustrated it hasn't gone better for him since he's been here. If he's here past Friday, great, we look forward to working with him. If something comes up then we'll have a chat.

“There's a couple of League Two sides and a couple in the lower reaches of League One who've expressed an interest.

“It's difficult when you've got a game, we've been talking today as a staff but we wanted to get the game done.

“We'll have a good chat on the coach and then reconvene.”